Schalke have temporarily removed midfielder Aymen Barkok from their first team squad following an off-field controversy.
| Aymen Barkok runs with ball for Schalke durng their match against Preußen Münster in February. | Christof Koepsel/Getty images |
After the club’s 2-1 defeat to Kaiserslautern on Sunday afternoon, Barkok posted a provocative message on Snapchat. When a supporter criticised the post, Barkok responded with a series of offensive direct messages, including explicit insults. Though Barkok apologised later that night, the club opted to take disciplinary action.
Sporting director Mulder: “We expect professionalism”
Sporting director Youri Mulder addressed the situation on Monday morning, explaining the decision to send Barkok home from training: “This behaviour doesn’t align with Schalke’s values. We want the team’s full focus on the upcoming matches, and distractions like this are unacceptable. Barkok acknowledged his mistake and apologised, but that doesn’t change our stance.”
Mulder declined to specify how long Barkok’s suspension would last or whether further disciplinary measures, such as a fine, would follow.
“The worst punishment for a footballer is missing games. He realises he made a poor decision,” Mulder added. “He won’t be with us for the next few days.”
Barkok’s Schalke future in serious doubt
Sources within the club suggest Barkok’s days at Schalke are likely numbered. The 26-year-old joined the club on the final day of the winter transfer window from Mainz 05 on a short-term, performance-based deal.
Having made just six appearances, two of them off the bench, and contributed only one assist, Barkok has struggled to make an impact.
There are no exit clauses in his contract, which runs through to June 30, but a long-term future at Schalke appears increasingly unlikely.
